World Scholar’s Cup by Emma Shleifer (Y12.6)
Each team debates three times on extremely varied subjects. Contrary to the more traditional debating competitions, no team is ever eliminated, as “it wouldn’t make sense for the teams that need the most experience to debate less than those who already have it.” (World Scholar’s Cup, 2012)
With over 12,000 entrants in 2014, the World Scholar’s Cup (WSC) has gathered much momentum since its founding in 2006. Its lively debate, opportunity to speak in front of audiences of hundreds and team orientated competition has captured the attention of many Tanglin students. In March, we were proud to host the regional round of WSC with 200 students from schools across Singapore including Nanyang Girls’ High School, Raffles Institution and National Junior College. Tanglin teams did well across the board but stood out in the debating event, taking 1st, 2nd and 4th place in the Senior division as well as many accolades in the Junior (U15) division. Although only 20-25% of teams qualify each year for the Global Round, all TTS teams have got through to the 2014/15 final in Kuala Lumpur. World Scholar’s Cup is about debating, competing and learning in a never-beforeseen manner. Not only does it expand your mind in so many ways, it first and foremost gives you an opportunity to individualise yourself and become more independent. All this whilst having the most fun possible! Sophie Tottman (Y12.11), describes WSC as an “international academic competition that never fails to satisfy my ceaseless curiosity about the world. I truly believe I’ve encountered some of the most brilliant minds this generation has to offer.” WSC was founded in 2006 by Daniel Berdichevsky. Although it is known as a competition, WSC is predominantly a chance for students from over 40 countries to spark and satisfy their curiosity of the world. As Berdichevsky puts it, it is a “joyful festival and celebration of learning.”
Sample motions, 2014 Resolved: That parents should have the right to implant GPS trackers in their children Resolved: That the prefect system is good for students Resolved: That the world needs more ninjas.
Collaborative writing
“WSC isn’t just a CCA (CoCurricular Activity) it is a way of life. A lifestyle that is described as exhausting, difficult and the most fun you can have in school hours.” Angus Jope (Y11.5)
Teams have 25 minutes to discuss and research three of six presented topics, which are answered individually in 45 minutes. Sample motions, 2014 Literature: Pi would make a great father Science: Alcohol should only be available with a doctor’s prescription The Arts: Parents should automatically receive copies of their children’s selfies History: James Bond would make a good spy in the real world.
Scholar’s Bowl Presenting six topic areas (Art, Science, Literature, History, Special Area, and Social Studies), the WSC tournament consists of four events: a team debate, a scholar’s bowl, a scholar’s challenge and collaborative writing. The tournament aims to promote individual, outside-thebox thinking and curiosity that will enable “students of all backgrounds to discover new strengths and practise new skills.” (World Scholar’s Cup “Values and Vision”, 2008) World Scholar’s Cup is about much more than just winning silverware. It is about entering a worldwide community of friends, brilliant minds and inextinguishable learning.
You could be as likely to watch a clip from the Hunger Games and analyse the impact of technology on District 12 as you are to be asked for a solution to a scenario related to economic globalisation.
Scholar’s Challenge In the Scholar’s Challenge, students are able to apply their knowledge of the world - and of the six topics - to answer a series of multiple-choice questions. According to one Tanglin scholar, “the questions are brilliant actually; it’s much more than regurgitating facts.”
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World Scholar’s Cup Events Debate